Christmas Presence

　　It was the night before Christmas, and all through the evening I reminisced, fondly reliving past Christmases spent with my family. As a second year nursing student, just nineteen, this was to be the first time I wouldn't be home on Christmas. Although I knew I would someday be working on Christmas, I never expected to feel this lonely.

　　Secluded in my room, I yearned for the mouth-watering aromas of mom's freshly baked cookies, hot chocolate and love. The absence of the usual giggling, slamming doors and ringing telephones made the dormitory seem cold and empty. The unappetizing smell of disinfectant replaced my visions of cookies and cocoa.

　　Standing in front of the mirror, I conversed with my reflection. "You wanted to be a nurse didn't you? Well, you're almost a nurse. Now is your chance to find out what Christmas spirit really means." Determined to make the best of it, I turned in early.